Gaming Industry Careers

It feels like the sky is falling in gaming. We are thankful when only a week passes without another layoff. It's like being thankful no one died this week. It's awful. Despite it being awful, I still feel extremely optimistic about the long term for both gaming as an industry, as well as the availability of amazing careers in the space. The short version of why I'm not (entirely) shooketh: 3 poorly timed events / circumstances converged at once, but none are persistent... Event 1: Embracer Layoffs Embracer's layoffs have affected thousands. A prodigious, gargantuan, mammoth, colossal, eye-poppingly-large business failure. But let's be clear: that was an unforced error, an isolated incident borne from miscalculation, and did not occur because of some underlying weakness in the market. Event(s) 2: Mergers The ATVI / Blizz acquisition clearing all of its hurdles, as well as T2 finalizing acquisitions, led to exactly what comes after any merger: layoffs. Lots of them. Again - big impact for many people - but isolated incidents that cannot be consistently replicated quarter after quarter, or year after year. Event 3: The Return of Touching Grass COVID put gaming business into overdrive, which resulted in many employers (Riot, Unity, Epic) slapping afterburners onto their hiring engines. Several of the largest developers grew by 20%-40%, leading to rapid expansion of the game job market. COVID abated, and the gaming business has returned to its regular (and healthy) growth rate as humans re-emerged from their dens to touch grass. But that healthy growth rate is not enough to sustain the outsized hiring that occurred throughout the pandemic. Again - not a persistent or systemic issue in gaming. What About AI...? If there’s a “fourth horsemen” of the game jobs apocalypse, it’d be fair for many devs to think AI will certainly take the reins. AI will undoubtedly displace many jobs in gaming, and reshape many more. But from what I can tell from my daily conversations with executives, no layoffs occurred as a result of AI, and none are on the imminent horizon. ... TL/DR: - No fundamental issue is driving the layoffs - All 3 primary layoff drivers are ephemeral - The job marketing is likely to regenerate

Friends, this post is packed with new insights and data on the games jobs market. Let’s dive in. The chart below is a 6-week trailing sum of layoffs in the games industry. At its peak in Q1'24, it exceeded 6,000 - but since Q4'24, that number has remained below 700. For a while, I’ve said I hoped we would hit breakeven, where six-week trailing hiring outpaces six-week trailing layoffs. Initially, I predicted this for 12/2024, then adjusted to 1/2025. I now believe we reached breakeven this month. That doesn’t mean it’s permanent, but hiring velocity is trending upward. How do I track that velocity? I maintain an individual tracker on every role in our games jobs workbook, monitoring how long positions stay open, which roles move, and when they close. Now, onto something I’ve wanted to refine for a while - how many people actually work in core development and publishing worldwide? To answer this, I took a bottom-up approach, analyzing 3,100 companies in our games jobs workbook and estimating employee counts based on the best available data. I also ran a median and statistical distribution analysis to estimate what percentage of employees at a given studio size typically hold open roles. A key takeaway: Across all 3,100 companies we track, the median ratio of open roles to total employees in games companies is 3.2%. The final result? I can estimate there are 243,000 direct employees in video games worldwide. Why does this matter? It enables a more accurate, comprehensive model to assess hiring velocity. 👉 Right now, I estimate that ~13,500 people, annualized, are hired per year in core video games. 👉 At the height of COVID, I estimate annualized hiring surpassed 25,000+. 👉 This is why hiring odds are so tough - 13,500 annual hires compete against the un/undermployed portion of 35,000 laid-off workers, and tens of thousands of new graduates, and career switchers from other industries. It’s not a lot of jobs, especially when you consider that's for all geographies and internal hires. Pulling it all together: I anticipate around 10,000 layoffs in 2025. But if hiring velocity stays above that - an entirely achievable outcome - 2025 could be a net positive year for hiring, even if only slightly. This aligns with my long-held estimate of 3-5 years to recovery. If layoffs return to pre-2023 levels (800-2,500 per year) and hiring remains strong, the industry could recover 35,000 lost jobs at a pace of 10,000+ hires per year. There’s a lot to process, but I hope this gives you a clearer view of: ✔️ How I track industry-wide cuts and hiring. ✔️ How I arrived at a quality estimate for total industry employment after 2.5 years of analysis. ✔️ How I measure hiring velocity and open roles to total employees (13,000 a year, 3.2% total roles) ✔️ Why, despite a tough 01/25, hiring hit breakeven on a 6-week trailing basis as predicted. ✔️ Why, even with improvement, a full recovery is still at least 3-4 years away. Let’s keep pushing forward.

🎯 Applying for a role in games? I have received hundreds of inquiries over the past several weeks and months asking how to get your resume noticed. I cannot respond to every inquiry as much as I try, so I wanted to make sure I am setting you up for success. Here are a few resume tips that can help your application stand out — and actually get seen: First: We don’t use AI parsers or keyword-scanning tools to filter resumes — every resume is reviewed by hand. So it is important to keep it simple, clear, and accessible. ✅ Put your best stuff first Lead with your most relevant work experience or education (whichever is stronger) — don’t make the reviewer dig for it. There is a growing trend of listing oldest experience first, but unless there’s a strategic reason for it, keep your most recent work at the top. ❌ Skip the photos & QR codes Photos are more suited for CVs — and unless you’re applying for a modeling or acting role, they’re just not needed. If you must include one, make it a professional headshot (not a selfie from your last con — as cool as those are). And QR codes? These are often used with in lieu of a URL or Portfolio link. with rising identity theft risks, many people will not scan them. 🎨 Creative role? Include a working portfolio Applying for a creative position? A portfolio is a must. Double-check that your hyperlinks work and passwords (if needed) are included. Broken links = missed opportunity. 📝 Cover letters or summaries =🥇 Especially if you're changing industries, applying for something niche, or your background isn’t a perfect match. It’s your chance to showcase transferable skills, industry knowledge, or simply share your why. Pro tip: I read them all. 📄 Word vs. PDF? Go PDF. Word docs are fine, but in 2025, saving your resume as a PDF (File > Save As > PDF) protects your formatting and info. I won’t hold it against you either way — but some recruiters and hiring leaders will. 📁 Name your file like a pro Avoid submitting files titled just resume.docx. Use your name — it’s a small thing that makes a big difference when sharing with teams: Example: JoshuaForrest_Resume_2025.pdf The job hunt isn’t always easy — but small details can make a big impact. You've got this! 🎮 #ResumeTips #GamingJobs #CreativeCareers #GameIndustry #JobSearch #CareerAdvice #RecruiterTips

From Boom to Ban — Navigating India’s New iGaming Law as an Affiliate Parliament passed this sweeping law on August 20 (Lok Sabha) and August 21 (Rajya Sabha), and it swiftly gained presidential assent on August 22—bringing to an abrupt halt the real-money gaming economy overnight . Platforms like #Dream11, MPL, #Zupee, #PokerBaazi, and many others have already suspended their cash-based offerings, with assurances that users can withdraw existing wallet balances . For affiliate marketers, this isn’t just a sector disruption—it’s a total existential threat. Promotions for real‑money games are now criminalised, with first‑time offenses triggering up to 2 years in prison and fines up to ₹50 lakh; repeat violations bring harsher penalties—3 to 5 years and fines up to ₹2 crore . In addition, ad spends previously pouring into RMG are rapidly redirecting toward esports, casual, and social gaming—reportedly accounting for 25–30% of diverted budgets . ⸻ What’s Next? A Three‑Point Pivot Strategy for Affiliates: 1. Immediate Content Audit & Compliance Remove all links, landing pages, and content related to real‑money gaming. Non‑compliance now carries real legal risk. 2. Pivot to Permissible Verticals Focus on esports, free-to-play, educational, and social gaming. These are explicitly supported paths under the new regime, even receiving regulatory encouragement . 3. Rebuild with Brand Safety & Consumer Trust Tap into new affiliates and campaigns centered on legitimate, skill-based entertainment—positioned around long-term value rather than quick revenue. Let’s share insights, stay connected, and rise together. #igaming #realmoneygaming #affiliatemarketing

The recently passed Indian Online Gaming Bill has stirred up a lot of discussion. Being part of the industry, I wanted to bring some clarity - so I sat down with my peer, Harish Chengaiah, who was closely involved in these conversations. We spoke about the key changes in India’s new online gaming regulations and how this shift is set to transform the ecosystem, especially for developers and stakeholders. Key points from our discussion: ▪ The government issued a sudden ban on real money gaming (RMG) platforms to curb addiction and financial risk. ▪ Clear legal separation between banned RMG and promoted video games/esports. ▪ New regulatory bodies will oversee and certify responsible gaming practices. ▪ Offshore gambling remains a challenge due to jurisdictional loopholes. ▪ The ban will cause job impacts in RMG but brings legitimacy and support to video gaming. ▪ Industry must continue advocating for updated laws to fully separate gaming from gambling regulations. Watch the full video, link in the first comment 👇 How do you see it impacting the future of gaming and investment in India? Drop your comments below, let's get the conversation started and bring more perspective to this crucial topic! #GamingIndustry #OnlineGamingBan #Esports #IndiaGaming #Regulation

Striking News from India’s Online Gaming Industry Last week, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025 was introduced in the Parliament. The legislation proposes 🔴 to BAN ALL FORMS (skill-based games included) of real-money gaming (RMG), 🟢 while recognizing social gaming and e-sports as legal categories. 🟢 Subscription-based and in-app purchase models remain permitted. This move came as a surprise, considering there are ✴️ 400 million users, ✴️ over $3 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), ✴️ over 400 companies operating in the sector. The potential impact of this bill cannot be overstated. Key takeaways from Indian industry experts: 🔸 The bill contradicts the constitutional right to operate skill-based games, and numerous court cases will definitely appear. 🔸 Prohibitions rarely eliminate demand; they often push players to offshore platforms with no consumer protection. 🔸 Many companies are already preparing Plan B and Plan C, pivoting to new models, innovating products, and seeking sustainable revenue streams. 🔸 The future may (or may not?) resemble the US sweepstakes model, but India could shape its own unique framework. From one perspective, this type of reformative bill will likely introduce new business models to India’s #onlinegaming industry. However, once the bill becomes law, the RMG market will be entirely closed. The challenge for key players in the market, who employ thousands of people, will be to support their brands and quickly adapt to these changes.

🇮🇹 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 - 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐 This Games Industry Law Summit keeps delivering. Day 2 was packed with sharp, real-world guidance on IP, in-game assets, and global regulation trends that legal and business teams in gaming can't afford to overlook. Here are my top takeaways: 🔹 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 & 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 • Virtual currency is no longer “virtual” - in regulatory terms, it’s real currency. Legal qualification is rapidly shifting, and mandatory principles are now expected in most jurisdictions. • In the U.S., the safest approach remains: users purchase licenses to digital goods, not the goods themselves. This avoids triggering consumer goods laws and returns policies. • Courts outside California are increasingly mirroring California’s standards - meaning regulatory risk follows you across state lines. Draft policies with that reach in mind. 🔹 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 & 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘀 • Timing is everything.  – File too early (during development), and you risk rebranding costs.  – File too late (post-release), and you invite trademark squatters - particularly in China. • Be aware that TM filings can expose launch timelines - manage filings with internal release calendars in mind. • Generic or “sensitive” terms may face rejection.  – Example: “Escape from Alcatraz” deemed unregistrable.  – Words like “Hell” are problematic in China, even for globally accepted titles. • Build TM strategy around projected revenue, not just user base. Monetization should drive your legal priorities. • Consider multimedia trademarks to protect game mechanics - not just names or logos. This is underutilized but increasingly valuable in gameplay-driven IP. 🔹 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 • “What happens in Italy, often moves to Europe.”  – From GDPR enforcement to platform liability, Italy has repeatedly acted first.  – Track regulatory movements here to anticipate EU-wide shifts. • Legal teams must be ready to address cross-border platform risks and local sensitivities, even when operating from jurisdictions with more flexible legal norms. These conversations are where real strategy happens. If you're building, publishing, or advising in this space - take note. Special thank goes to Konstantin (Konni) Ewald, Kimberly Culp, Gianluigi Marino, Peter Dawson, Sean F. Kane, Lydia Starostina, Aleksey Ponomarev, Arata Nomoto - your panels were incredible. #VideoGameLaw #IPStrategy #TrademarkProtection #GamingCompliance #AnitaYarynaInsights

Evolving Legal Framework of Online Skill-Based and Chance-Based Games in India: Distinguishing Games: Indian law differentiates between "Games of Skill" and "Games of Chance". The former relies on players' expertise, while the latter depends on luck. A landmark judgment by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case K. R. Lakshmanan v/s State of Tamil Nadu clarified this distinction. Games predominantly based on skill aren’t considered gambling, aligning with constitutional provisions. Historical Legislative Perspective: The Public Gambling Act of 1867 (PGA) during British rule did not envisage online gambling. After India’s independence, the Constitution divided legislative power between the Central government and the States. While the Centre could legislate on lotteries, the States had power over "betting and gambling". Several States enacted their own gambling laws after independence. Yet, with the rise of online platforms, there was a legislative gap. Some States, like Tamil Nadu, prohibit all real-money games, while others, like Goa and Sikkim, have nuanced regulations. Sikkim and Meghalaya have regulations that define "game of skill" and promote them via electronic means. Conversely, Tamil Nadu has banned online Rummy and Poker despite the Supreme Court's recognition of them as skill-based games. Recent Regulatory Changes: Mandatory KYC verifications for the online gaming sector have resulted in reduced user engagement, leading gaming firms to request standardized KYC processes. A 30% income tax on net winnings impacts casual gamers. Technical challenges in KYC have also led to user drop-offs. The Reserve Bank of India is considering overseeing the Fin-Tech sector which indirectly influences the online gaming industry. The Information Technology Act, 2000 regulates online activities, including online gaming. Recently, guidelines have been updated to include verification by a Self-Regulatory Body (SRB) for online games to ensure protection against fraud and upholding national security. The GST Council has imposed a 28% tax on online gaming, creating concerns for the industry. This policy introduces hefty taxation on player winnings and the entire amount collected from players, which may deter player participation. Conclusion: Laws related to gaming in India are evolving, with each state forming its unique set of rules. With continuous changes in the legal landscape, it's crucial for both the gaming industry and players to stay updated with state-specific regulations. An informed approach ensures adherence to the law and fosters a transparent gaming environment in the country. #Indiangaming #Onlinelottery

🚨 What’s Happening in Gaming Jobs in 2025? 🚨 I speak to dozens of studios and hundreds of candidates each month, and a few clear trends are emerging in the games industry this year: 🎮 Remote hiring in MENA is finally rising A historically on-site-first region is now seeing a rise in remote-first roles. Why now? Maybe it's a global influence. Perhaps it's flexibility pressure from candidates. Either way, it’s happening. 🔥 Development and Art roles are still the hottest From midweight Unreal devs to stylised 3D artists — demand is steady. But Lead & Principal-level hires remain the hardest to fill. Why? A complete lack of clarity on what those titles mean. "Lead" at one studio might be a Senior at another. 💸 Candidates care most about compensation, but benefits make the difference A competitive salary is just the baseline. Studios offering true flexibility, like Fridays off or async working hours, are winning the best talent. ⚠️ Biggest hiring mistake studios make? No clear process. Nothing puts candidates off faster than vague timelines or last-minute stage additions. You’re not ghosting them, but it feels like it. 📈 AI, hybrid setups & live-service titles are changing hiring patterns Some studios are downsizing. Others are restructuring toward smaller, multi-skilled dev teams. And yes, some are building hybrid-first orgs from the ground up. 💬 Advice to candidates in 2025: Don't just apply, make a statement. 🔹 Why THIS role? 🔹 Why YOU? 🔹 What will you bring to the table? 👥 And for hiring managers: Stop waiting for the perfect candidate.  Find a way to turn someone with potential into a rockstar. 📊 Some Stats for 2025 (Source: Newzoo, LinkedIn, GDC): 68% of gaming roles in Q1 2025 were open to hybrid or remote setups. Median salary for a Senior Unreal Dev is now ~$110k globally, $130k+ in North America. The top three most in-demand roles are: Gameplay Dev, Technical Artist, and VFX Artist. Agree? Disagree? Curious to hear what you think about the market right now 👇 #Gaming #Recruitment #Gameplay Level Up.